Author Archives{mjv}

For freelance writer Matt Villano, cool things that are green include his Toyota Prius, Kermit the Frog and, of course, this weekly column. Villano has been writing about sustainability for the better part of the last decade, having covered the topic for publications including The New York Times, TIME magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle and others. He writes about other stuff, too, such as travel, science, business, technology, gambling and education. To learn more about Matt, visit his Web site, www.whalehead.com, or his blog, www.thedaddydispatch.com.

Calder Creek Cleanup this weekend

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

The Sebastopol Creek Stewards are set to work their magic again this Saturday [March 5], cleaning up trash and invasive plants from the banks of Calder Creek in the Railroad Forest between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. In March 2010, the spring-fed creek that runs through Ives Park along the Joe Rodota Trail and into the Laguna became the inaugural spot {…}

Matanzas Creek lines up lectures on lavender

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

Over the last few years, Santa Rosa-based winery Matanzas Creek has become renowned for creating and selling products from its one-acre lavender field. Now, they’re eager to share the love. The Bennett Valley property announced last week a series of quarterly educational seminars about growing and using lavender. All classes start at 9 a.m., and include a wine-tasting and lunch. {…}

Immerse Yourself in Sonoma County's Eco-Spas

1 year ago in Itineraries.0 Comments

The notion of an “eco-spa” can mean different things to different people. Here in Sonoma County, however, one thing is certain: Eco-Spas incorporate organic products, holistic body services, and zen-like wellness into the traditional spa experience. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of four exceptional eco-spas across the county. Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. This facility in Freestone, near {…}

Bouverie Preserve launches 2011 backyard naturalist programs

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

One of Sonoma County’s best spots to learn about the environment is at it again, offering two new classes that spotlight parts of county’s diverse ecosystem. The facility, Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen, recently announced two Backyard Naturalist Programs, to be held Saturday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, April 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each class {…}

Grind it with grinds from The Flying Goat

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

A funny thing happened on our way to one of The Flying Goat coffee shops this week; we stumbled upon a local resident with two giant plastic tubs and a hankering for grinds. Turns out that the Goat, a big supporter of eco-friendly efforts, has an unofficial official policy through which they gladly donate coffee grinds to anyone who wants {…}

Santa Rosa company plants seeds of change – literally

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

Scientists say that one of the best things ordinary folks can do to fight global warming is to plant trees. This is precisely what inspired Kim Isley to found her company, Trees for a Change, in 2007. The Santa Rosa outfit allows people to give the gifts of life—plant life. The tree-gifts can be given for all occasions, and are {…}

New spirit from HelloCello intoxicates in many ways

1 year ago in Green.1 Comment

Last year around this time, we told you about a new, all-natural limoncello—formally named HelloCello Limoncello di Sonoma—from a Sonoma Valley startup named HelloCello. Well the same company is making noise all over again, only this time the product is dubbed BelloCello di Sonoma and the main ingredient is Damiana, a flower that has been used for years as a {…}

Sonoma Coast bathed in sunshine

1 year ago in Green.1 Comment

Visitors to Sonoma Coast State Beach along the Sonoma County coastline this weekend were treated to an unusual sight for this time of year: A few hours of daily sunshine and blue skies. The weather attracted hundreds to the coast. In particular, the Kortum Trail that runs between Wright’s and Blind beaches south of Jenner was hopping. Bodega Bay was {…}

Kenwood Oaks delivers green—and luxury—lodging

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

There’s great green lodging at a relatively new Kenwood accommodation named the Kenwood Oaks Guest House. Located just off Warm Springs Road in the Valley of the Moon, the property is a small horse range with three beautifully appointed rooms and a cozy, private cottage available for rent. The facility opened in 2002 and was recognized as a Sonoma Valley {…}

Great resource for information about sustainability

1 year ago in Green.0 Comments

There’s no such thing as too much inspiration for sustainable living. This is why we love the Website, Partners in Creating a Sustainable Sonoma County. The site is maintained by the Santa Rosa branch of the University of California Cooperative Extension, and it features a host of great data and advice columns pertaining to Sonoma County sustainability. Recent posts include {…}